Code of Ethics for Researchers

About the Code

As society gains access to more sources of information and diverging opinions, and as a growing number of reports are throwing the reliability of scientific research into question, scientists are under scrutiny, questioned and mistrusted. This new context gives rise to redefining the social and moral contracts that bind researchers to society and infusing it with the most irreproachable behaviours. Moreover, in an era in which leaders publicly question the consensus of the scientific community, upholding the highest standards of research practice is more important than ever. Any corruption of the scientific process impacts the perceived credibility of important contributions to knowledge, making it harder to engage with the general public, and affecting the ability of scientists to translate discoveries into practical solutions or public policies.

Codes of ethics seek to safeguard these high standards of behaviours and practices. Many examples exist, but so far no code of conduct or ethics that is interdisciplinary and global in its perspective has achieved universal uptake.

The World Economic Forum Young Scientists Community — a group of leading researchers under the age of 40 from diverse fields and all regions of the world — came together to identify and reflect on the cross-cutting ethical issues they are faced with. This universal Code of Ethics is the result of their extensive reflections and consultations with researchers and ethicists. It serves as a tool to nurture a positive change of culture in the research world by not only guiding and shaping the behaviour of individuals but also the processes of the scientific institutions that are to facilitate this cultural shift.

Each stakeholder of the research environment is invited to endorse the following seven principles, which explore what it takes to be an ethical scientist today and how individuals, groups and institutions can contribute to securing a positive environment for the greater research outcomes benefiting society as a whole.

The Principles

Endorse the Code

Each stakeholder of the research environment is invited to endorse the seven principles of this Code of Ethics. Only by building a strong community will we be able to encourage positive behaviours and to change the research ecosystem for the better.

Our Stories

All scientists have experienced situations that proved them how important ethical behaviours are. From reviewing papers to exchanging with strangers to receiving unexpected support, we witness daily how ethics serve science and the public. To remind ourselves, if ever needed, of these common and relatable experiences, we have compiled some of our stories.

Who we are

The Code of Ethics has been driven by the World Economic Forum Young Scientists community which brings together the most forward-thinking young scientific minds in the world exhibiting exceptional creativity, thought leadership and high growth potential. They are selected from all regions and a wide range of disciplines, including biology, physics, environment and computing, and have a track record of advancing the frontiers of science, technology and environment in areas of high societal impact. Under the age of 40, Young Scientists have demonstrated their commitment to public service and actively play a transformational role in integrating scientific knowledge into society for the public good.

This Code of Ethics is the result of their collective reflection on cross-cutting ethical issues they are faced with, as well as thorough and extensive consultations with researchers and ethicists around the world